Govt decision will bring better mobility for physically challenged

In a move that could bring about better and safer mobility for the physically challenged people, the Union government has restored the power to approve retrofitted two-wheelers by state governments under the Motor Vehicles Act.

A few years back, this power was withdrawn as it was misused by vehicle owners who made changes to the two-wheelers, altering the fundamental safety features built in by two-wheeler manufacturers.

The Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, in a notification issued last week, has granted exemption from alternation in motorcycles to be used by physically challenged people that can be approved by state governments.

While granting this power, the Union government has also brought in clear guidelines on how these changes can be made, who can make them and a stringent set of guidelines for approvals. These vehicles will also bear the insignia (see logo) to indicate that the owner of the vehicle is a physically challenged person.

Changes mandated by this notification include shifting of leg controls (like gear and brakes) to hand control as well as either hand-start or electric start to make driving easier for the physically challenged people.

Two more features will also be added to the vehicle, such as the ‘intentional locking mechanism’ that will help the person alight the vehicle without the risk of roll-over and clamping arrangements carrying crutches.

The kits for converting regular two-wheelers to those for the physically challenged will be sold only by select manufacturers who will need prior approval from the government after testing for brakes and ability to handle gradation.

Only workshops approved for fitment of the kits can make the changes to the vehicle. The approval, according to this notification, will be based on competence, availability of necessary equipment, experience in the relevant field and manpower.

Further, different types of disabilities have been now listed which can be given driving licence. Medical certificates approving the ability of the user to drive the vehicle will be given at the district level by a duly constituted board with the chief medical officer as its chairman.